Researchers at Yale and Columbia ranked countries' environmental performance based on 25 metrics, including water and air quality, habitat protection and the impact of the environment on the health of the population. European countries make up more than half of the top 30, while the U.S. ranks 61st.While india is on........ok just forget it.......here are the top 10
1. Iceland
EPI score: 93.5
GDP per capita: $36,000
Population: 311,000
In the category of air pollution (effect on humans), Iceland scored 97.4, compared with 84.8 for countries of similar GDP per capita.
2. Switzerland
EPI score: 89.1
GDP per capita: $37,000
Population: 7.6 million
Switzerland scores a perfect 100 in forestry, water quality (effects on humans) and biodiversity and habitat. Like most rich, industrialized nations, its lowest scoring was in air pollution (effects on ecosystem).
3. Costa Rica
EPI score: 86.4
GDP per capita: $9,600
Population: 4.5 million
That such a relatively poor and developing country ranks third in the EPI is testament to the natural endowments of Costa Rica, with dense forests, plentiful water and abundant wildlife. With smart development, Costa Rica can avoid the standard path that growing nations take of polluting their environment, only to clean it up again once they become wealthy. Costa Rica touts its EPI ranking in ads for its tourism sector.
4. Sweden
EPI score: 86
GDP per capita: $33,400
Population: 9.1 million
Sweden has bragging rights, for the moment, among the Scandinavian states, where out-greening one another is a regional competition.
5. Norway
EPI score: 81.1
GDP per capita: $48,000
Population: 4.7 million
Norway is a nation of astonishing wealth, built on vast offshore reserves of oil and natural gas. The global warming impact of those fossil fuels is not debited from Norway's results, rather it is recognized in the nations that burn them.
6. Mauritius
EPI score: 80.6
GDP per capita: $10,000
Population: 1.3 million
A tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is far and away the highest-ranking nation of Sub-Saharan Africa; Djibouti comes second with a score of 60.5. Isolation is its benefit, helping keep pollution low and attracting a tourist trade eager to enjoy healthy marine areas.
7. France
EPI score: 78.2
GDP per capita: $31,000
Population: 62 million
By far the most populous country in the top 10, France ranks very high in air and water quality and fisheries management. The EPI methodology benefits countries with significant nuclear power programs.
8. Austria
EPI score: 78.1
GDP per capita: $35,000
Population: 8.3 million
Neck and neck with France, Austria benefits in the rankings by being landlocked. With no fisheries to be evaluated, Austria's 100 score on biome protection gets a greater weighting.
9. Cuba
EPI score: 78.1
GDP per capita: $8,500
Population: 11.3 million
Does Cuba prove that a communist idyll can also be an environmental one? Don't count on it. Researchers doubt the veracity of Cuba's data, which shows higher levels of public health, (including almost universal access to sanitation and clean water) than GDP would suggest. The average EPI score for Cuba's income peer group is 65.7.
10. Colombia
EPI score: 76.8
GDP per capita: $7,600
Population: 44 million
The poorest country in the top 10, Colombia's high ranking is due to the quality of its natural endowments. Its score for biodiversity and habitat, at 82.7 compares with an average of 51 for its income group. Colombia's carbon emissions are relatively low because of plentiful river systems feed enough hydropower generators to supply some 70% of electricity needs.
1.Masada-Israel.Since we are talking about some of the unconquerable castles and fortresses in the world than we cannot miss out this awesome structure that has really stood the test of time. Masada is the name of site where you will find various fortifications and palaces. The site is built on top of an isolated rock plateau in Israel and is very near to the Dead Sea. Masada sits on the eastern edge of the cliff which is 1300 feet high which makes it one of the most difficult fortresses to conquer.
2.Alamut-Iran.
Another such fortress that have remained unconquerable throughout its history is Alamut which also means Eagle¡¯s Nest.The fortress is built on a high mountain which was almost impossible to climb and even if attempts were made to climb the Alamut, it would take enough time for the person to make it to the top which means that the soldiers on the top have enough time to lock and kill their targets.
Alamut is located in the central Alborz Mountains near Kazvin Province which is just hundred kilometers from today¡¯s Tehran in Iran. The fortress was built by Hamdollah Mostowfi at the height of 2100 meters and there was only one way up to the fortress which was heavily guarded by the soldiers and warriors which makes that route impossible to penetrate.
3.Janjira-India.
Though, there are many such fortifications in India that have played a significant role in the development of a particular kingdom or a state but Murud-Janjira remains on top of the list when it comes to undefeated fortress in India. Though, on the first look the fortress looks like a very common fortress that can be conquered easily but that is not the case because of its unique location. The fortress is like an island surrounded by water from all sides and therefore it gives a clear picture to the army inside the fort of any intruders coming through the sea. This fortress was originally built by Fisherman Kings of Konkan to combat against the Muslim rulers in 1490. However, the word Janjira comes from Arabic word Jazeera which means an island. The fort was later captured by Shivaji and it became one of the headquarters for the Maratha Empire.
4.Malbork Castle-Poland.
The castle now is better known as Malbork Castle because it is situated in Malbork. However, the castle was built by the Teutonic Order who were knights interested in helping sick and injured Catholics in Poland. The castle remains as one of the classic examples of medieval castle and today it has been named as UNESCO World Heritage Site in Poland. The castle also holds the record of world¡¯s largest brick gothic castle. The castle was built in 1274 and was named as Marienburg after the Virgin Mary. The castle remains undefeated till date because of its unique location. The surrounding areas near the castle are very flat and does not give any chance to the enemy to hide and therefore the warriors have ample of time to get ready and prepare the war before the enemy approaches from distance.
5.Palakon Castle-Ukraine.
The castle is intelligently designed and is located on a volcanic hill which gives this castle a unique location to safeguard itself from intruders and enemies. The castle was built by French engineers and has also remained the residential place of the Royal family. The castle has also been used as a political prison. The castle is divided into low, medium and high castle where the high castle is lavishly decorated for the Royal family. Today, this impregnable castle has been turned into a museum for the people to see.
